Summer is sizzling right now in Orlando! From unique experiences at Walt Disney World, to high energy concerts at the Amway Center in Downtown Orlando, these events provide that extra spark to your summertime vacation. Use this schedule to plan your upcoming vacation celebration at Magical Memories.

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot World Showcase (through July 25, 2015). Rock and dance to live tributes of your favorite classic rock bands. The concerts take place at the America Gardens Theatre and feature 3 different performances late into the afternoon after you have ridden most of the rides and experienced several shows. Even better, Epcot has included this special bonus in your paid admission to the park!

Summer Nights at SeaWorld (through August 9, 2015). Visit SeaWorld for an entire day and stay late into the evening. The excitement gets turned up a notch when the sun sets. Experience weekend concerts, a special Shamu celebration with spectacular visual effects, and ride your favorite roller coasters under the night sky! It’s well worth skipping your bed time.

Night of Joy at Magic Kingdom (September 11- September 12, 2015). Popular Christian music bands and musicians converge on the Magic Kingdom for two rockin’ nights of music and fellowship. From soul and inspirational singers to hard-rocking bands, there is live excitement for every taste in music. The entertainment kicks off at 7:30pm and continues until 1:00am. Shift your vacation into overdrive, and be prepared to rock ‘n roll the nights away this September at the Magical Kingdom.

Rock the Universe at Universal Studios Orlando (September 11 - September 12, 2015). An impressive line-up of popular Christian bands rock together during this popular Christian music festival at Universal Studios. Surrounding the excitement are heart-pounding rides and attractions. After partying with new friends, visit both theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, for an unforgettable experience.

The Amway Center in downtown Orlando is hosting two huge concerts in September! Ed Sheeran will be performing on September 8, 2015, and Janet Jackson is bringing her high energy show to us on September 23, 2015. Buy tickets now to add that extra spark to your summer vacation. Both of these concerts are happening mid-week, so make your stay last a whole week to take advantage of everything the Orlando area has to offer!

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (September 25 - November 16, 2015). You'll want to be at Epcot this fall to enjoy their food and wine festival. Billed as a "food and wine lover's paradise," this event will feature cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, mixology classes, and live musical performances! Sample some of the best international food and amazing wines.

The summer season in Orlando is off to a steaming start! Temperatures have been trending in the upper 90’s since the beginning of June. We have yet to reach our hottest month. How do we keep our cool in the hot summer sun? For starters, we are the best destination for water park excitement.

Walt Disney World features two great water parks to cool down at this summer. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are wonderful family attractions that rest on Disney property close to their other theme parks. Typhoon Lagoon is reminiscent of a tropical paradise and features a wave pool favored by surfers and an exciting shark reef. Blizzard Beach is unique in that it is themed after a winter blizzard wonderland giving way to some great thrill rides.

The fun and excitement of the Universal Studios theme parks flows over to their Wet ‘n Wild water park, which is located along International Drive in Orlando. Their thrilling water slides have been a favorite amongst vacationing families since the 1970’s. Wet ‘n Wild, by far, has the most thrilling and high-action slides out of the water parks we list here. Families can still enjoy several rides together throughout the park, with numerous tube rides available. Save some time afterwards to enjoy shopping at the popular stores nearby along International Drive.

Aquatica is the water park attraction from SeaWorld. It’s unique in that guests experience sea life while riding some of the water slides. Get up close and personal to Commerson’s Dolphins, African Spurred Tortoises, and many different species of tropical fish! The rides mix with nature seamlessly to make this an enjoyable day on the water.

Make sure you save room during your Disney vacation this summer to visit one of these thrilling water parks. Don’t forget comfortable sandals and suntan lotion. We’ll see you soon out on the water! Stay tuned to our blog for more vacation tips and updates throughout the year.

Central Florida and the Orlando area is, with no doubt, an outdoor-focused vacation destination. The warm year-round weather is perfect for a day at the Disney parks, one of the many nearby beaches, or hours spent shopping from store-to-store at the outlets. Extended periods outdoors, however, means that you have to take extra precautions to protect your health and remain comfortable for the remainder of your vacation.

Sunscreen is a necessity when enjoying outdoor activities in Florida. Prolonged exposure to the sun can be damaging to your skin . Remember to apply sunscreen frequently while visiting our popular outdoor attractions. Sunburn can be a painful experience and could make for an unpleasant vacation. Look for a higher number of SPF with a broad range of benefits.

Prepare a backpack with water and light snacks prior to visiting outdoor attractions. These refreshments will serve as a key source of energy while staying active. You will burn plenty of calories walking for over 8 hours in a single day at the Magical Kingdom or splashing in the surf at Cocoa Beach the whole day. Dehydration due to a lack of fluids is common in the hot summer sun.

Seek shade and shelter to take time and rest while visiting the attractions and nearby beaches. A small break makes all the difference! Wear lightly- colored clothing that is also lightweight and loose so your body has room to breathe. Heavy and dark clothing will make you feel sluggish in the Florida heat.

As we quickly approach the summer season, keep “cool” in mind. It is not fun to feel uncomfortable and out-of-place during your visit. These comfort tips will make your next vacation experience much more enjoyable.

Excitement is brewing about Orlando’s newest attraction coming to International Drive. The Orlando Eye is scheduled to celebrate its opening day on May 4th. It will become the anchor attraction to I-Drive 360, a new entertainment complex also housing a Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando, with delicious restaurants and other road-side amusements just steps away! The International Drive amusement area will be complimented nicely with these wonderful additions.

The Orlando Eye will be the tallest observation wheel of its kind on the east coast of the United States, towering 400 feet over International Drive. Spacious, air-conditioned capsules are enclosed with glass walls which will give guests breathtaking panoramic views of Orlando and beyond! It has been said, that on the clearest of days, you will be able to see all the way to Cape Canaveral. That is pretty impressive! Complimentary Wi-Fi will allow guests to take pictures of their high-flying adventure and share immediately with friends and family.

Tickets are available right now on the Orlando Eye website. The first offering of tickets is reasonably-priced, with many different package options to choose from. Expect time slots to fill up fast, especially for summer and holiday visits. Make sure you leave room in your vacation schedule for a flight on the Orlando Eye. This experience will surely create a lasting memory to your Orlando vacation.

Are you spending the Holidays away from home this year? You’ll want to check out the following popular events happening in Orlando. There is a lot of Holiday Cheer to go around for the whole family! All of the area theme parks host their own Christmas celebration- so don’t forget your merry spirit when you come for vacation this month.

Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney. This is the best time of the year to shop and dine at Downtown Disney! Experience a festive environment this holiday season with live entertainment, photo opportunities with Disney characters, and Santa Claus. Shop for that perfect Christmas gift in the midst of decorations and cheer.

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. On select nights through the holidays, guests will enjoy caroling, a seasonal ice show, Santa Claus, and Shamu. Beautiful decorations dress the whole park creating a special holiday experience for the whole family.

Candlelight Processional at Epcot. The Candlelight Processional at Epcot in an incredible experience not to be missed this holiday season! Embrace in the Christmas spirit in front of a 50-piece orchestra and choir. There will be a celebrity narrator telling the always-entertaining story of Christmas.

The Holidays at Universal Studios Orlando. As always, Universal Studios throws a huge party to welcome the changing seasons. The Holidays is nothing short of exceptional! Make sure you're here to catch our version of the Macy's Holiday Parade and another thrilling year of the Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular at Islands of Adventure. Live music from Manheim Steamroller fills the air on select weekend nights in December.

Santa makes an appearance at each one of these special events. Both adults and children alike are guaranteed to be entertained for hours. Remember to arrive early so you can get the perfect spot to experience all the Magic.

This year has flown by fast. Christmas is less than 2 months away! Although chances are high that we won’t get snow for the Holidays, we still get very excited for the upcoming Holidays. There is no better destination to spend the season than here in Orlando! Popular area theme parks all have special seasonal events that will compliment your Holiday memories.

Walt Disney World, University Studios Orlando, and SeaWorld decorate in bright colors and lights to gear up for the upcoming Holidays. Santa Claus will be making appearances at each one of the parks, as themed shows and events are also planned. Festive Holiday cheer, great live music from bands and orchestras, and your favorite characters all join in on the celebrations. Caroling is taking place everywhere you go!

Orlando weather adds to the Holiday magic. Daytime temperatures average in the 70s and 80s and cool down nicely through the evenings. Thanksgiving and Christmas take place during our dry season with very little rain and mostly sunny skies. While the rest of your friends are experiencing cold winter temperatures and snow, you can be relaxing by your own private pool or beachside singing Christmas carols with your family.

Plan your memorable Holiday trip with Magical Memories, a leader in the Central Florida vacation rentals market. Take advantage of our lower off season rental rates and save. It’s now more affordable than ever to enjoy a Disney vacation. Surprise your family with a weekend getaway to visit Mickey Mouse and experience the beaches!

Plan ahead and be prepared for your next Disney area vacation. Chances are, you will be spending most of your time outdoors and walking the popular theme parks. Remember these five essentials when packing for your trip to Orlando.

You can’t go on vacation in Florida without remembering suntan lotion. The sun tends to have a stronger, more direct effect on the skin in our state. Most of your vacation will be spent outside. Make sure you apply lotion from head to toe to avoid uncomfortable sunburn. Aim for an SPF of 15 or higher.

Dress for the weather. We are grateful for warm summer-like temperatures through most of the year. Summer months can be scorching-hot, while our fall and spring months are pleasantly warm. Visitors will enjoy mild winter months with noticeably cooler nights, November-February. Pay close attention to the weather forecast in anticipation for your trip for the latest weather trends.

Sandals are part of the daily dress code in Florida. However, tennis shoes will make a world of difference in comfort when visiting the Orlando theme parks. Be prepared to spend a whole day on your feet at Walt Disney World. Painful feet will not create a memorable experience.

Smartphones are extremely useful tools while on vacation. Popular theme parks have created great apps to help you plan daily itineraries. Guests can view ride times, theme shows at the parks, and even make their dinner reservations straight from their phones! The devices are also excellent for weather forecasts and driving directions by GPS. Take pictures or play games for entertainment while waiting in long lines or sunbathing on a beach in Central Florida.

One last piece of advice for your next Orlando vacation is to bring your hunger for thrilling adventure! New amusements are introduced every year in Orlando. There is something for everyone and every age! You will never grow tired of visiting because you will never be able to do it all.

Did you miss your opportunity for a Disney vacation this past summer? It’s not too late to fit in the Magic still this fall. With the exciting seasonal events through November and lower rates this season, the timing couldn’t be any better than NOW to escape for a long weekend! Plan your trip around these popular fall events to make the most out of your visit.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party lasts until October 31st. The whole family can enjoy this celebration at the Magic Kingdom Park. Trick-or-Treat for sweets throughout the park. Many of the famous Disney characters will also be taking part in the seasonal festivities, dressed in unique costumes as well. Catch a special evening “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade and party alongside famous Villains from your favorite spooky movies.

Halloween Horror Nights, which is going on now through November 1st, is in its 24th horrific season at Universal Studios Orlando. This year brings 8 terrifying haunted houses, ridiculously scary street experiences, live shows, and new rides and attractions to compliment this thrilling mega-event. Experience the most well-done Halloween amusement in the country right here in Central Florida. This guarantees screams and thrills from the bravest person.

So many events and parties go on at Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. It is scheduled to run until November 10th. Travel around the world in the World Showcase and sample popular food, fine wine, and craft beer from many different cultures! Live, well-known bands and cooking demonstrations compliment this fall festival. Stay late on Thursday nights for more indulgences with the “Late Nights LIVE!” celebration of food and fun. It’s a perfect mixture of activity that flows well with a day at Epcot while experiencing your favorite theme park rides.

Don’t miss out on all the excitement this fall. Contact Magical Memories to see how affordable a weekend escape can be. Reservations can be made for a villa in an all-inclusive Kissimmee resort or a larger vacation rental home with private pool. See you soon in Central Florida!

If you missed an Orlando vacation this past summer, it’s not too late to enjoy magical memories this year. Take off for a long weekend and take advantage of the changing seasons in Central Florida. Fall is a wonderful season to visit the Disney area, with a pleasant change in the weather and less crowds at the attractions.

We are just coming out of the rainy season in Central Florida. During the summer months, it rains almost every day, with storms and downpours lasting for only a couple hours in the afternoons. Guests usually enjoy mostly sunny skies in the fall, beginning in late September. Along with the lower, more comfortable temperatures, this makes a perfect day spend inside the Disney parks.

Outside of the holiday weekends, attraction waiting lines at the area theme parks and roadside amusements are shorter. It is more feasible to enjoy every ride at Disney and Universal Studios Orlando. Wait times dramatically decrease at popular restaurants and shopping malls as well, which gives visitors a more enjoyable experience.

Rates for vacation rentals are greatly reduced during the fall months. It is more affordable than ever to escape for a memorable weekend with family and friends. Guests can save over $100 per night from the peak summer rates on many of our popular vacation homes and villas close to the action at Disney! This leaves more fun money in your wallet for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, or SeaWorld!

Don’t waste any more time daydreaming about a family vacation to Orlando. Now is the perfect time to escape for the weekend! Plan your visit with Magical Memories as your host and experience the tremendous value that you’ll gain from reserving a vacation rental.

We are well into our summer season in Orlando and one thing is for certain; it is HOT! 90 degree temperatures are normal in late July and into August. It is important to stay cool and hydrated while visiting the Walt Disney World parks, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and other outdoor amusements. Keep in mind the following cooling tips so you can enjoy the theme parks and feel more comfortable through the hot Florida summer.

The most important advice to staying cool is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can lose a lot of water through perspiration by walking over 10 hours straight in the hot sun. Aim for drinking a gallon or more of water during your theme park excursion. Carry a water bottle with you and refill it with water when empty. Not only will you feel more awake and energized, but you will be properly hydrated and cool.

Snack stands feature delicious treats to suppress hunger, keep you active, and cool you down. There is no shortage of ice cream bars and delicious popsicles at Disney. Children love these fun snacks and they will be satisfied for hours! Buy some extra treats to enjoy while waiting in line at rides and your experience will be much more enjoyable.

It is important to dress appropriately for the weather and hours of walking in the direct sunshine. Wear light colored clothing and materials that allow your body to “breath” and wicks away moisture. Athletic apparel and bathing suits are perfect for park hopping. Remember a high level of SPF protection if you’re wearing clothes that expose your skin directly to the sun. Sunburn would make your day at the park difficult.

Take frequent breaks under shelters and misting stations located throughout the parks. You will often find that misting stations are popular hangouts. Stop for a few moments inside a restroom, wet a paper towel with cold water, and wipe your head and arms. You will immediately feel revitalized and ready to conquer the next big ride on your list.

The heat and direct exposure of your skin to the sunlight can make you feel exhausted quickly. These cooling tips will greatly improve your theme park experience and will ensure lasting memories. Don’t get caught “under the weather” and ill-prepared.

The excitement never gets old in Orlando. Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are constantly adding new attractions to keep the fun alive. Experience these new thrill rides on your next trip to the Orlando area.

Disney has added the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to the ever-growing Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom. The family-friendly rollercoaster transports riders through the famous diamond mine from the movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It will seem like you’re part of the movie while twisting, turning, and rocking in unique mine train carts. Indeed, a ride not to miss on your next trip to the Magic Kingdom.

Universal Studios has built a new land to their Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The much-anticipated Diagon Alley is set to open in early this month. Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts is the new, 3D multi-dimensional ride that anchors this new attraction. Fabulous eateries and shops compliment the ride! Dine on traditional British fare at the Leaky Cauldron and grab desert afterwards at the Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour. Diagon Alley is a must-do adventure in Orlando.

Orlando is ever-changing. The amazing attractions at Disney World and Universal Studios can easily take up most of your vacation time. Map out your activities and plan wisely to make sure you are able to visit these new rides.

Don’t let the little things complicate your Orlando, Florida vacation. Start off on the right track to avoid family conflicts. Your well-deserved escape begins when you drive out of your driveway or board the planeto Central Florida. To make your trip more enjoyable, follow our tips on how to pack your car or prepare your luggage for a flight.

Road Trips are a great idea when traveling. Most of the time, you’ll spend less money than flying and you get to experience the open road. It is important that everyone in the automobile is comfortable and has enough room to stretch, especially after a two-hour, or in some cases, five-hour nap. Don’t clutter the seats with luggage, that’s what the trunk is for! Keep only in-car entertainment on hand, such as an interesting book or iPod. Avoid packing perishable food, as spoilage may occur if packed improperly, and could provide an unpleasant odor the rest of the trip. Kissimmee and the surrounding Orlando area have plenty of grocery stores. Buy your food locally on vacation.

Make use of all nooks and crannies when packing the car, but don’t stuff trunk space. Pillows, blankets, and linen are great, and they don’t take up much room. These things can easily fit into small spaces between luggage. Leave your windows free and clear and make sure you can see out into traffic.

Use common sense when packing your car. What do you really need to bring on vacation? If you find the back end of your sedan weighed-down and nearly touching the pavement, then you’ve packed too much. Grills, kitchen appliances, coolers, bikes, and other equipment are either provided with your Kissimmee Vacation Rental, or are offered for rent through area vendors. Remember to only pack the necessary clothes, bathroom supplies, and limited entertainment options. Guests always go back home with more than what they brought, due in part to the great local shopping.

You have to be even more efficient if you’re flying to the Orlando, Florida area. Checking bags can get pretty expensive these days. It’s not unusual to spend over $100 per bag to check. Try your best to pack everything in a suite case that will fit in an overhead compartment. Certain liquids and sharp objects can’t be taken onboard an airplane. Remember to bring entertainment as flights can get boring.

The more efficient you pack, the more money you will save. Lighter cars will save you more gas money, and carry-on bags are free on most flights. Don’t subject yourself to any avoidable conflicts on your trip to Kissimmee.